From May 1st to 3rd, 2026, the first international Human Development conference organized by CHARIS will bring together participants from several countries around the theme: "Integral Ecology and Service to the Poor".
In this context, Fondacio's presence at this international Human Development conference is not simply a matter of institutional participation. It is deeply aligned with the mission that Fondacio and its partners have been carrying out for years through educational, social, and environmental projects.
A conference at the heart of current challenges
Human development and integral ecology are now at the heart of social and ecclesial concerns. Inspired by the encyclical Laudato Si', this conference aims to connect two often separate realities: caring for the poorest and caring for creation.
Serving the most vulnerable cannot be done without taking environmental issues into account. Similarly, protecting creation cannot ignore human and social realities.
This global vision deeply aligns with the commitment of our members.
Present in more than 20 countries, we operate in the following areas:
- the education of children and young people,
- vocational training,
- community support,
- human and environmental ecology.
In each of these projects, the objective is the same: to promote the dignity of the person and to support lasting transformations.
Fondacio's participation is therefore natural. It reflects a mission lived concretely on several continents: serving the poor, training responsible leaders, developing local initiatives rooted in reality.
The conference will be held in Sichem, a center for integral ecology and a close partner of Fondacio. This choice is not insignificant. Sichem embodies an integrated approach where:
- the training,
- ecology,
- community life,
- and spirituality
meet and feed off each other.
Hosting CHARIS here demonstrates a commitment to connecting reflection with concrete action. Furthermore, Fondacio is not simply present at this event: several of our members are part of the coordinating team. This involvement reflects an active commitment to the preparation, planning, and organization.
It also demonstrates a responsibility assumed in the service of the Church and the Charismatic Renewal.
Interview with Gabriel AMOUZOU, COGE Manager of the conference, member of the Human Promotion Commission of CHARIS.
1. Why is this conference important today?
Gabriel A.: Today more than ever, our “Mother Earth” is suffering and sending us a desperate cry for help. Environmental disasters, the impoverishment of populations, and the degradation of our ecosystem remind us of the urgent need to act. It is essential that we, as human beings, be able to listen to this cry from the Earth and provide concrete solutions so that life can continue and future generations can inherit a viable world.
Pope Francis' Laudato si' was a true wake-up call. Through this encyclical, he calls on Christians, and indeed all of humanity, to become more aware of the need to preserve our common home. He reminds us that the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor are inextricably linked: if we do nothing, all life on earth is threatened.
Therefore, this conference is important for sharing good practices experienced in integral ecology linked to human promotion for awareness and collective mobilization for concrete action within the expressions of the RCC.
2. How is Fondacio's commitment consistent with this event?
Gabriel A.: Fondacio has been committed for many years to the dynamics of integral ecology and human development. Fondacio is a pioneer in this vision that links faith, social commitment, and ecological responsibility. Well before CHARIS, Fondacio had already put in place concrete mechanisms and projects in support of human dignity and environmental preservation.
Thus, Fondacio has proven expertise and experience to share with speakers.
This conference will give a boost to actions already underway. It reinforces, clarifies and promotes fundamental work undertaken for decades.
Fondacio has an interest in truly engaging in this event to strengthen, through times of prayer and intercession, its spiritual life which is becoming bland in favor of human promotion.
3. What does the choice of Shechem as the host location represent?
Gabriel A.: The choice of Sichem is not insignificant. This center, inspired by the spirit of Laudato si', is a place that combines several dimensions: ecological commitment, human development, and support for the most vulnerable. For over 30 years, this center has been working concretely for sustainable rural development, youth training, the promotion of environmentally friendly agriculture, and the empowerment of local communities. It is a space for deep immersion in the realities of the theme being addressed. Organizing this conference in such a place allows participants to move beyond theory and experience firsthand what it means to live integral ecology and serve the poor.
4. What message would you like to convey to the young participants?
Gabriel A.: To young people, I would like to say this: the time has come to change the paradigm. Action is not limited to speeches or intentions, it is lived on the ground, in prayer and in social action.
Yes, it's important to deepen one's spiritual life. But that's not enough. Spirituality must translate into concrete commitments.
I hope that they leave with tools, motivation, a clear vision and renewed determination to resolutely commit to serving the poor and protecting our environment.
Young people are the hope, the promise for a more humane and ecological world through their spiritual connection to the God of Jesus Christ.
5. What gives you the most hope in preparing for this event?
Gabriel A.: The motivation and commitment of all members of the Human Promotion Commission and the entire team of the National Communion Service in Togo is a source of happiness and hope in preparing this conference.
For the first time, leaders from several expressions will come together to pray, intercede, exchange mechanisms and make concrete resolutions to engage in social action and the preservation of integral ecology as defined in the statutes of CHARIS and the encyclical Laudato Si.
As a human rights advocate, particularly for vulnerable children, the theme of this conference is my daily campaign refrain, used at every camp and summer camp for the past 25 years with the NGO ANGE.
My hope is that we will be legion in our commitment to serving humanity and the earth through our roots in Christ and throughout the world.
THANK YOU
Gabriel Kossi AMOUZOU, COGE Manager of the conference, member of the Human Promotion Commission of CHARIS.
Through this conference, CHARIS 2026 in Togo, a shared conviction is manifested: social transformation begins with the promotion of human dignity and sustainable commitments. Integral ecology is not an abstract concept. It is lived out in local initiatives, training programs, educational projects, and international networks. Fondacio's participation in this conference is an expression of a mission lived out daily: to accompany individuals and communities toward integral, human, and spiritual development.
To register: 👇🏽Registration link https://forms.gle/E89SctFcT3QmW6Kz8
